The story
Broadhead Clough is a nature reserve run by West Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT). The path running through it is well used and forms part of Christopher Goddard's Coiners' walk. When 'Gallows Pole' is broadcast later this year, we expect that the path will get more users.
We have had several discussions with the Trust, trying to balance keeping the area as a wild place whilst bringing the path up to a standard that will cope with increased footfall.Our second session
The Magnificent Seven (RJ, Fred, Graham L, Paul, Ian S, Nick and Kasher) returned to Broadhead Clough to tackle outstanding issues identified from the recent survey and agreed with YWT. Working in three teams of two, with RJ providing guidance and help, the teams worked on:
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| The planning session.....(or lunch break) |
a) Steps
The set of steps started last week were completed and another short rise of four steps constructed higher up the clough.
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| and more steps... |
b) Stone steps
A very narrow set of stone steps were widened with large stones and are now much easier to negotiate.
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| The improved set of stone steps |
c) Drainage
A limited amount of drainage work was undertaken, near the top of the path along the clough, to prevent water eroding the route. Existing drainage channels were cleared out and deepened, and the water flow under the boardwalks improved.
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| Fred and Graham starting on the (limited) drainage works |
d) Path widening
The path has been widened in a number of places, and crumbling banks cut back.
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| A widened path |
e) Cutting back of holly
A small amount of cutting back of holly was undertaken. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust had already done some radical cutting back of the holly lower down in the reserve.
Future work
We expect to need one more session on the path through Broadhead Clough and out onto Erringden Moor. We will, hopefully, improve the stream crossing near the bottom of the Reserve, do a little more path widening and stabilising, and install marker posts on Erringden Moor above the clough.
Work funded by HEC electrical contractors. Many thanks.
